Couple refuses to kill baby born with Phocomelia, relocates to Koforidua due to stigma

A year ago, Ellen Ampadu delivered her fifth child through Caesarean section at Atibie Government Hospital.

Shockingly, despite several ultrasound scans during her antenatal care, her baby was born without three limbs.

Doctors and midwives at the hospital were surprised, as the condition was not detected beforehand.

Ellen and her husband, Joseph Asiedu Yirenkyi, both teachers, were provided with counselling at the hospital.

However, it is alleged some doctors reportedly advised the couple to consider euthanasia to avoid the stigma and economic burden that would come with raising a child with such a condition.

“When I was taken from the theatre to the recovery room, doctors and psychologists met me and said the baby would become a burden so we should agree to euthanize the baby but I refused. It is God who created Adepa. So in the wisdom of God if He has brought her out then I have no right to let kill her,” Ellen Ampadu, mother recounted.

After being discharged, the family endured constant discrimination from their community in Kwahu Mpraeso, including at church and work.

Ellen recounted the intense pressure they faced to kill the baby girl which eventually led them to relocate to Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Region.

“We were staying in Mpraeso. However, because of unbearable stigma from the community, we decided to relocate to Koforidua. Again the doctors said she needs regular physiotherapy so coming to Koforidua also gives us access to physiotherapy services. So it is because of Adepa that we came,” she added.

Mr. Joseph Asiedu Yirenkyi, the father confirmed various suggestions they received to terminate the baby’s life, but the couple chose to defy these recommendations.

The couple has named their child Adepa, meaning “precious,” as a symbol of their commitment to raising her and fulfilling what they believe is God’s purpose for her life.

“The reason for naming her Adepa is because she is so precious to me. I have accepted her as a gift from God,” the mother explained.

Debrah Bekoe Isaac, the CEO of the nonprofit organization “As I Grow,” which first identified Adepa’s situation, has appealed for support to help provide her with physiotherapy and prosthetics. These interventions would enable Adepa to gain mobility and eventually start school.

“Now the urgent need is the leg. If we get prosthetics to fix the leg so that she can walk and learn how to use the assistive devices. Every year or two weeks have to change the device. So we need money we can’t quantify the money. This is a lifelong project from childhood to adulthood so people should support the family,” Debrah Bekoe Issac, CEO of AIG.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), congenital disorders, which include structural or functional anomalies occurring during intrauterine life, affect approximately 6% of babies worldwide. These disorders are a major cause of the global burden of disease, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries.

While some congenital disorders, such as cleft lip, clubfoot, and certain hernias, can be treated, others, like Phocomelia, heart defects, and Down syndrome, have lifelong impacts.

However, in countries with fewer medical facilities, reversible conditions like clubfoot may result in more severe and lasting effects.

Adepa’s story reignites the need for more awareness and support for families affected by congenital disorders in Ghana.